Oleander-Associated Keratitis and Uveitis

Prashant D. Tailor, Marybeth K. Farazdaghi, Sanjay V. Patel, Keith H. Baratz

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose:Oleander is a poisonous plant with extensively documented systemic side effects; however, oleander's ophthalmic side effects have not been detailed in the literature. We report a case of oleander-associated keratitis with subsequent corneal edema and anterior uveitis.Methods:This is a case report and review of relevant literature.Results:A 58-year-old woman presented with large corneal epithelial defect after being struck in the eye with an oleander leaf. Despite treatment with topical moxifloxacin, she developed severe corneal edema and anterior uveitis. A diagnosis of oleander-associated ocular inflammation with secondary corneal edema was made, given the temporal relationship, and treatment was initiated with topical prednisolone and cyclopentolate. However, the corneal edema and inflammation continued to progress until oral prednisone and topical difluprednate were initiated. Visual acuity, anterior uveitis, and corneal edema significantly improved with aggressive immunomodulation. Follow-up at 1 month confirmed complete recovery of symptoms, corneal edema and anterior uveitis.Conclusions:Severe corneal edema and anterior uveitis can be associated with oleander exposure. Aggressive treatment with oral and topical steroids may be required without persistent sequelae at the 5-month follow-up. Ophthalmologists should consider this inflammatory reaction if patients experience ocular exposure to oleander.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1305-1307
Number of pages3
JournalCornea
Volume41
Issue number10
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2022

Keywords

  • cornea
  • ocular
  • oleander
  • toxicity
  • uveitis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Oleander-Associated Keratitis and Uveitis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this